The new Arkbound Space HQ rose from the edge of the developing city sector, framed by open skies and scaffolded steel. Construction had reached 85%, with bots moving like clockwork across the structures — assembling, welding, anchoring the future piece by piece.
Kael stood at the overlook near the south wing, reviewing logistical updates on his tablet when the sleek black transport arrived. The hatch opened, and Elios Orven stepped out, shielding his eyes from the midday sun.
"You're late," Kael said, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.
"I'm a space engineer, not a city planner," Elios grinned, pulling a folded datasheet from his bag. "I don't navigate traffic — I calculate escape velocities."
Kael smirked and motioned for him to follow. "Come on. I figured you'd want to walk the site before they seal the walls."
The two made their way past the main gate, bots whirring around them, hauling composite panels and high-load infrastructure beams. This wasn't the old base — no starship here, just clean, grounded ambition.
"The mayor spoke highly of your insight," Kael said as they entered the atrium of the Arkbound Space HQ. "You made an impression."
Elios chuckled. "He asked about theoretical station scaffolds and beam configurations like he wanted to build a space elevator next month."
"You didn't encourage him, did you?"
"I might've said it's possible. I didn't say practical."
Kael gave him a sidelong glance. "That's all the encouragement a politician needs."
They reached a wide, glass-reinforced deck overlooking the southern sector. The site spread below them — not a spaceship in sight, only the hive-like precision of Arkbound's evolving footprint.
"This is your playground," Kael said. "Layout, research zones, propulsion test bays — you call it."
"All of it?" Elios raised a brow.
"You're the one who wanted to work here 'til death."
Elios smiled, remembering the starship's frame he saw back at the old base. "Still do."
"Good," Kael said. "You'll need that kind of commitment. There'll be more 'impossible' problems than not."
Elios looked out over the platform, the wind tugging at his coat. "Then I'm exactly where I should be."